For the Weirwolf, Paris is the last hurrah. David Weir, one of the first Paralympians to break through into public consciousness in the UK, announced his retirement from international competition at the age of 45 after finishing fifth in the men's T54 wheelchair marathon on the final day of competition.
It was a tired looking Weir, body battered after negotiating the cobbles of the Champs-Élysées on a windy day in a racing chair without suspension, who drew the curtain on his Paralympic career.
"I knew today would be it. I just feel it's the right thing for me," Weir said after crossing the finish line in the gorgeous setting of Invalides more than five minutes behind the winner, his longtime rival and occasional training partner, Marcel Hug.
"[I feel] proud, very emotional.
This story is from the September 09, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the September 09, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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